Last week we talked about preparing for a fun and fancy wine tasting party. This week, I thought I’d tell you what happened at our party, and give you our humble suggestions for some decent bottles of wine in the ten dollar range!
In case you missed last week, here’s the set up: Each guest brings a bottle of wine in the ten dollar range, as well as a ten dollar bill. All of the ten dollar bills go into a jar, and everyone will vote in a blind taste test of each of the wines. After everyone tastes the wines and votes, whoever brought the winning bottle of wine will take home the cash!
We served chocolate desserts as well as an assortment of cheeses. We also found it was helpful to have a large bottle of inexpensive wine to serve guests when they first arrived, since the wine tasting can’t start until everyone is there.
As your guests arrive, take their bottles of wine into a room where no one can see them. Ask them to write a short description of the wine, plus its name, where they got it, and how much it cost. (If they haven’t tried the wine before, or can’t come up with a description, check the label before you cover it up.) Cover each bottle’s label with a sheet of paper and assign each bottle a number. Make a tent card with the number and description for every bottle.
When all of your guests have arrived, set out the wines, un-cork each bottle, and let the tasting begin! Provide each of your guests with a pen and a piece of paper so they can jot down notes as they are tasting. Finally, have each guest choose their two favorites and place their votes into a jar. Once all the votes are in, tally up the votes and announce the winner!
After your party, send each of your guests an email with the information about each of the wines, so they can go out and try them again, if they like. (It’s also nice to thank them for coming to your party!)
Some people in our group were wine enthusiasts, and some were only casual wine drinkers. Interestingly, everyone brought reds. Our winner won by one point, and we had a tie for second place.

TOP PICK! Horton, Cabernet Franc 2006
A rich leathery red with a hint of tobacco. Firm structure and a spicy finish.

Coto De Hayas, Campo de Boja Tinto 2006
A middle-weight Spanish wine with a fruity, not-too-complex flavor. Well structured with a lengthy finish.

Running with Scissors, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Award winning cutting-edge cabernet with enticing black cherry notes.

Laurent Miquel, Cabernet Syrah 2006
Cabernet from Southern France with rich chocolate and black currant flavors and a smooth finish.

Chateau Morrisette, The Black Dog
A dry red with a cherry and currant finish.

Visit the Horton, Virginia winery’s Web site and find out where you can get a bottle of our pick.
WEB | http://www.hvwine.com

This popular wine blog gives its opitions on some of the best wines, including an under $15 list.
WEB | http://www.wineloverspage.com/qpr

A comprehensive glossary of wine terms.
WEB | http://www.lovewine.org

Bonus Project:
Make simple wine charms so your guests can keep their glasses straight. A set of four or six of these also makes a great gift.

String a few beads, small pieces of ribbon, or a simple charm onto 1” earring hoops, (find them in the jewelry making section of your favorite craft store) making sure each hoop is different from the others and easily distinguishable. Close the end of the earring and bend ½” of the wire up so it stays closed. Place one on the stem of each wine glass.